Autonomous ground vehicles and robotic systems developer Stratom has been awarded a US Navy small business innovation research (SBIR) phase I contract to develop a fully autonomous refuelling system for uncrewed naval vessels.
The initiative will use Stratom's deployable onboard refuelling interface (DORI), which facilitates refuelling of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) without the need for human involvement.
The DORI system adds automation to current naval refuelling infrastructure.
It encompasses components such as a hose retrieval mechanism, perception sensors for environmental awareness, an automated reel mechanism for managing the refuelling hose and a quick release coupling feature for emergency disconnection.
Autonomous refuelling capability will increase the operational range for USVs, minimise risk to personnel, and bring greater adaptability during missions in challenging or fragmented operational theatres.
The Phase I contract will focus on confirming the technical viability of DORI's automated reel mechanism.
This phase includes refining concepts, developing small-scale prototypes, conducting trade studies and incorporating established practices from commercial bunkering operations.
Stratom CEO Mark Gordon stated: “Autonomous refuelling is truly a force multiplier — and the next step toward a fully autonomous maritime force. With DORI, we’re engineering a practical, scalable way for uncrewed vessels to stay on mission longer, without relying on vulnerable crewed interventions.”
The company foresees opportunities beyond military applications, particularly in commercial shipping, in which ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering is essential.
The automation of STS bunkering could alleviate congestion in busy ports, enhance safety measures and reduce operational expenses for extensive shipping networks, said the company.
The company has a proven track record of repurposing robotic refuelling systems designed for the US Army and Navy for commercial use.
RAPID, Stratom's autonomous platform, has demonstrated the advantages of automating intricate fuelling processes by improving operational availability, decreasing labour requirements and bolstering safety protocols.
